Simple Steps for Fixing a Frozen Air Conditioner

Does the air emitting from your supply registers unexpectedly appear hot? Look at the indoor part of your air conditioner. This component is situated inside your furnace or air handler, if you have a heat pump. If there’s water seeping onto the floor, there could be ice on the evaporator coil. The AC coil within the equipment might have frosted over. You’ll need to melt it before it can cool your residence again. 

Here’s the steps you should take. If you can’t get the coil frost-free, Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning is here to help with air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale upheld by a 100% satisfaction guarantee.* 

Step 1: Set the Air Conditioning to Off and the Blower On 

First things first—set the thermostat from “cool” to “off.” This halts cold refrigerant from going to the outdoor compressor, which could hurt it and cause a costly repair. 

Then, switch the fan from “auto” to “on.” This produces hot airflow over the crystallized coils to help them thaw faster. Make sure to set the cooling mode to “off” so the air conditioner doesn’t start a cooling cycle. 

It can take under an hour or the better part of a day for the ice to thaw, depending on the degree of the buildup. While you’re waiting, keep an eye on the condensate pan below the AC unit. If the drain line is obstructed, it may spill over as the ice melts, possibly causing water damage. 

Step 2: Troubleshoot the Situation 

Not enough airflow is a main reason for an AC to freeze up. Here’s how to get to the bottom of the problem: 

• Check the filter. Low airflow through a clogged filter could be the problem. Look at and change the filter each month or once you observe dust buildup. 
• Open any closed supply vents. Your home’s supply registers should stay open always. Closing vents reduces airflow over the evaporator coil, which may cause it to freeze. 
• Check for obstructed return vents. These typically don’t use shiftable louvers, but furniture, rugs or curtains can still cover them. 
• Not enough refrigerant: While airflow restrictions are the most common cause, your system might also not have enough refrigerant. Depending on how old it is, it may use Freon®. Insufficient refrigerant calls for skilled help from a certified HVAC tech. H2: Step 3: Get in Touch with an HVAC Tech at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning 

If low airflow doesn’t appear to be the issue, then something else is leading your AC freeze up. If this is the case, just thawing it out won’t repair the issue. The evaporator coil is likely to freeze again unless you take care of the main problem. Contact an HVAC professional to address troubles with your air conditioner, which might include: 

• Refrigerant leak: AC units continuously use refrigerant, so it shouldn’t run low. Low refrigerant indicates a leak somewhere. Only a pro can locate the leak, fix it, and recharge the system to the appropriate level. 
• Grimy evaporator coil: If grime accumulates on the coil, air can’t get to it, and it’s liable to freeze. 
• Malfunctioning blower: A broken motor or unbalanced fan could stop airflow over the evaporator coil. 

If your AC freezes up, get in touch with the ACE-certified professionals at Service Experts Heating & Air Conditioning to repair the issue. We have lots of experience helping homeowners check their air conditioners, and we’re confident we can get things running again quickly. Contact us at 954-736-4314 to book air conditioning repair in Fort Lauderdale with us right away.